Leishmaniasis

Alternative names:

kala-azar

Treatment:

Antimony-containing compounds are the principal medications used to treat leishmaniasis. These include:

• meglumine antimonate
• sodium stibogluconate

Other drugs that may be used include:

• pentamidine
• amphotericin B

Plastic surgery may be required to correct disfigurement by destructive facial lesions (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis). Removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be required in drug resistant cases (visceral leishmaniasis).

Expectations (prognosis):

Cure rates are high with antimony compounds. Treatment should be accomplished before damage to the immune system occurs. Marked disfigurement may develop with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.

Complications:

• facial disfigurement
• fatal infections resulting from damage to the immune system
• hemorrhage

Calling your health care provider:

You have been in an area endemic for Leishmania, have been bitten by sandflies and now have symptoms suggestive of leishmaniasis.